Support structure for car wash components

ABSTRACT

A single column or multiple column support structure for car wash installations. Each column is a hollow aluminum extrusion having a cross-section defining a smooth rounded figure such as an oval and a pair of longitudinally continuous external channels formed in opposite sides of the column to provide routes for wires and hoses. Snap in plastic covers are associated with the channels. Interior channels received fastener inserts for assembling the columns to base plates, top plates, cross-bridges and the like. Two or more columns may be assembled in parallel spaced relationship with spacers therebetween.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to car wash installations and more particularlyto an improved beam-like support structure for use in connection withthe mounting of car wash components such as rotatable brushes, spraybars and air blowers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A typical car wash installation includes a number of treatment stationstypically constructed with vertical beams mounted on floor plates. Toform an arch, two or more such support structures are mounted onopposite sides of a wash lane. A bridge structure is mounted between thetwo vertical support structures and car wash components such asrotatable brushes or air blowers may be mounted thereon. The brushes mayeither be top brushes with essentially horizontal axes of rotation orside brushes with essentially vertical axes of rotation. Othercomponents such as spray bars, nozzles, mitter curtains and air blowersmay also be mounted to such structures with or without horizontal crossbridges.

Many car wash installations are at least partially fabricated on site.This may require cutting beams to length as well as securing structuresto one and other by welding and/or bolting operations. Hollow aluminumand lighter gauge steel beams are preferred in such situations becausethey are light, easy to transport and handle, and easier to cut to thedesired length than, for example, steel I-beams. In the past, square orrectangular section beams have been used. While effective, structuresbuilt with square or rectangular beams exhibit relatively littleaesthetic appeal. In addition, wires and hoses are usually attached tothe external surfaces of such beams.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the broadest aspect of the present invention, a novelsupport element for car wash installations is provided. The supportelement comprises a column member having the rigid structuralcharacteristics and strength of a beam, but also having a cross-sectionwhich defines a smooth, rounded figure such as an oval or ellipse. Thecolumn further has at least a first longitudinally continuous externalchannel formed in one side of the column to provide a routing for hoses,electrical wires and small diameter pipes. Finally, the column comprisesa snap in cover which can be attached to the column to close the sidechannel.

In the preferred form the cross-section of the column is an oval orellipse, those terms being used interchangeably in this specification todefine a rounded figure with two different diameters. The term “ellipse”is not necessarily limited to a figure satisfying the mathematicaldefinition of an ellipse. Also in the preferred form, two externalchannels are provided, one in each of the longer sides, and snap incovers are provided for closing the channels. The channels have opposedribs near the opening to coact with resilient fingers formed on the snapin cover to provide a locking function which also allows the covers tobe removed. The covers are preferably extruded of a resilient materialsuch as plastic. The beam structures may be extruded from aluminum.

As hereinafter described, the column of the present invention may beused in singles or in multiples, may be mitered and joined to formL-shapes and the like and may be mounted vertically, horizontally or atan angle, when used as a vertical, a column is typically attached bybolts to a base plate. The attachment is facilitated by a number ofpartially open channels which are formed in the hollow interior of thecolumn. These open channels receive threaded fastener inserts which arethreaded into the ends of the channel to receive bolts which secure thebase plates to the columns. A similar arrangement may be used to securea top plate, cross bridge or other structure to an end of the column.

According to a second aspect of the invention, columns are used in pairsand are arranged in parallel, spaced apart relationship and secured to abase plate in the manner described above. A gusset is preferably used toprovide additional stability and the gusset is preferably bolted to aspacer extending between the columns as well as welded to the baseplate. Additional spacers may be used at spaced intervals along thelength of the two column support structure. A variety of car washsupport structures may be constructed using the invention includingthose having overhead cross bridges to support components such as thosedescribed above.

Other applications of the present invention will become apparent tothose skilled in the art when the following description of the best modecontemplated for practicing the invention is read in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description herein makes reference to the accompanying drawingswherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout theseveral views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a car wash station using two brushsupport structures constructed in accordance with the invention; and

FIG. 2 is a close up view of a portion of the station of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a single column constructed inaccordance with the invention;

FIG. 4 is an end view of the column of FIG. 3 showing how extrudedplastic side channel covers are snapped into place;

FIG. 5 is a perspective exploded view showing how two identical supportcolumns are joined by bolts to a base plate;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional detail of the bolt structure in theapparatus of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 is a cut away view partly in section showing how a spacer isjoined to one of the columns in the structure of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT

Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a portion of a car washinstallation comprising a pair of vertical support structures 10 and 12disposed on opposite sides of a wash lane and being structurally joinedby an overhead bridge structure 14 which carries one or more verticallydepending rotatable brushes 16. Vertically depending brushes are shownin FIGS. 1 and 2 by way of example only, it being understood that avariety of other car wash components such as spray arms, nozzles, mittercurtains and air blowers may also be supported by the structures 10 and12 with or without the overhead bridge structure 14.

Brush 16 is mounted to the support structure 10, 12, 14 by means of acontrol system 18 which is more fully described in the co-pendingapplication Ser. No. 11/096,574; filed Apr. 1, 2005, and assigned toBelanger, Inc. Again that system is cited by way of example only.

Support structure 10 comprises vertical columns 20 and 22 mounted to analuminum base plate 24. A spacer 26 separates the columns 20 and 22. Byway of example, the columns 20 and 22 are made of extruded aluminum andeach has a cross-section defining a smooth rounded figure, in this casean oval measuring approximately 7″ in the larger diameter and about 4½″in the smaller diameter. The base plate measures approximately 16×24″.Additional spacers 28 and 30 are mounted between the columns 20 and 22to increase rigidity.

Similarly, support structure 12 is made up of parallel spaced apartcolumns 32 and 34 which are identical to the columns 20 and 22 and aremounted to an aluminum base plate 36 in a manner hereinafter described.A spacer 38 of aluminum plate stock is mounted between the columns 32and 34 near the base plate 36. Additional spacers 40 and 42 are providedbetween the columns 32 and 34 as shown. A gusset 44 is bolted to thespacer 38 by bolts 45 and is welded to the base plate 36. A similargusset is used in structure 10 but is not visible in FIG. 1.

Turning now to FIGS. 3-7, the details of the representative column 34and the manner in which it is integrated into the structure 12 will bedescribed. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the column 34 is a hollow, ovalshaped aluminum extrusion with a center rib 54. The opposite longer sidesurfaces are interrupted by continuous, longitudinal channels 46 and 48which are essentially rectangular in section and have interior wallswhich are integrally joined by the cross-web 54. Ribs 50 narrow theopening to the channel 46 to receive a snap-in plastic cover ashereinafter described. Similarly, ribs 52 narrow the opening of thechannel 48. Partially open interior channels 56 are formed within theright side hollow chamber of the column 44 to receive commerciallyavailable fastener inserts 70 as hereinafter described with reference toFIGS. 5 and 6. Similar partially open interior channels 58 are formed inthe opposite left side chamber for the same purpose. Since the column 34is preferably manufactured by extruding aluminum, the cost of the diewhich forms the column is substantially reduced by leaving the channels56 and 58 partially open. However, it is to be understood that fullyclosed channels may also be produced at a higher die cost.

As shown in FIG. 4 plastic covers 60 and 62 are provided for the purposeof closing the channels 46 and 48 respectively and providing anaesthetically pleasing, essentially flush exterior surface to the column34. The covers 60 and 62 may be of a color which either contrasts orblends with that of the extruded aluminum. Cover 60 has inwardlyprojecting, parallel spring fingers 64 which coact with the ribs 50 toprovide a snap in feature. Similarly, cover 62 is provided withresilient parallel fingers 66 which coact with the ribs 52 to provide asnap in feature. Hoses, wires and pipes are routed through the channelsand concealed by the snap-in covers. A screw driver or other prying toolmay be used to non-destructively remove the covers 60 and 62 from thecolumn 34 in the event service is required. While plastic is describedas the preferred material of construction for the covers 60 and 62, theymay of course be made of other materials including aluminum and/or othermetals which either contrast with or blend with the exterior appearanceof the column 34.

It is also to be understood that all four of the columns 20, 22, 32 and34 are constructed in the manner shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

Turning now to FIGS. 5 and 6 an illustrative technique for attaching thebase plate 36 to a pair of columns 32 and 34 will be described. Firstthe “Helicoil” fastener inserts 70 are threaded into tapped holes in theends of the channels 56 and 58 in both columns 32 and 34. As shown inFIG. 6, the base plate 36 is provided with a plurality of strategicallyplaced holes 72 so as to line up with the channels and the threadedfastener inserts 70. The holes are counter-sunk at 74 and 76 to provideroom for the head of a bolt 78 as well as the head of the fastenerinsert 70. The bolt 78, along with a washer 79 as required, extendsthrough the base plate and into the fastener insert 70 for securing theplate 36 to the column 34 as shown. The same technique may be used tosecure a top plate or a cross-structure to the top ends of the columns20, 22, 32 and 34 in the structure of FIGS. 1 and 2.

Looking now to FIG. 7, the manner in which the spacer plate 38 issecured to the column 34 is illustrated. The spacer 38 is of the properthickness to fit into the channel 46 and against the bottom surfacethereof adjacent the web 54. A hole 80 is milled through the web 54 toaccommodate a bolt 82 which extends through the beam and into a tappedhole in the edge of the spacer plate 38. It will be understood that thisillustration is by way of example only and other techniques includingwelding may be employed to secure the spacers to the columns.

By way of summary, it is clear from the foregoing description that thecolumns may be used in multiples as well as in single columninstallations. In the event that the single column using a base plate, agusset is preferably fit into one of the side channels and either boltedor welded into place essentially as described above. Extruded plasticchannel covers are used to cover the external channels on both theoutside and inside surfaces of the pillars or columns and are cut tolength to as to fit between the spacers where spacers are used. Asdescribe above, hoses, pipes, wires, and other long flexible objects maybe routed through the channels so as to maintain the pleasing aestheticappearance of a car wash installation using the invention in eithersingle or multiple column forms.

The dimensions given above are by way of example only as the columns maybe made in larger or smaller sizes as desired.

While the invention has been described in connection with what ispresently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment,it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to thedisclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover variousmodifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit andscope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadestinterpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalentstructures as is permitted under the law.

1. A support element for car wash installations comprising: a hollowmetal beam having a cross-section defining a smooth rounded figure; saidbeam further having at least a first longitudinally continuous externalchannel formed in one side thereof; and a cover attached to the beamand-closing said channel.
 2. A support element as defined in claim 1wherein the figure is an oval.
 3. A support element as defined in claim1 wherein the cover is plastic.
 4. A support element as defined in claim1 wherein the channel has a narrow opening formed by opposedlongitudinal ribs and a box-like cross-section; and the cover is aplastic extrusion with opposed spring fingers which engage the opposedchannel ribs to snap into a flush relationship with the column over thechannel.
 5. A support element as defined in claim 1 wherein the beam isfabricated of aluminum and has an internal cross-rib.
 6. A supportelement as defined in claim 2 further including a second longitudinallycontinuous external channel formed in the beam opposite the firstchannel and a second snap-in cover for covering the second channel.
 7. Asupport element as defined in claim 6 wherein the channels are locatedin the longer sides of the oval figure.
 8. A support element as definedin claim 1 further comprising a base plate, said beam being secured tosaid base plate and extending upwardly therefrom.
 9. A support elementas defined in claim 8 further including a gusset secured between thebase plate and a side of the beam.
 10. A support element as defined inclaim 1 wherein the hollow metal beam further includes a plurality oflongitudinally extending semi-enclosed channels formed on the interiorsurfaces of the beam.
 11. A support element as defined in claim 10further including threaded inserts disposed in the ends of the pluralityof internal channels to receive threaded fasteners.
 12. A verticalsupport structure for car wash installations comprising: a pair ofhollow metal columns having substantially elliptical cross-sectionsdisposed in side-by-side spaced apart parallel relationship and securedto a base plate; each of said columns having at least a firstlongitudinally continuous external channel formed in an outside surfaceof the column; and snap-in covers attached to the columns and closingsaid channels.
 13. A support structure as defined in claim 12 whereinthe metal columns are made of aluminum and the covers are made ofplastic.
 14. A support structure as defined in claim 14 wherein thechannels are characterized by narrow openings formed by opposed ribs andbox-like cross-sections.
 15. A support structure as defined in claim 12further comprising a plurality of spacers disposed between and attachedto said parallel columns at spaced intervals.
 16. A support structure asdefined in claim 15 wherein the spacers are bolted to the columns.
 17. Asupport structure as defined in claim 13 wherein each column has twodiametrically opposite channels formed in the longer sides thereof andthe columns are arranged on the base plate with the longer diameters ofthe elliptical cross-sections in parallel spaced relationship, saidspacer plates fitting into and extending between the inside channels ofthe adjacent, spaced apart columns.
 18. A support structure as definedin claim 12 wherein the columns further have a plurality of partiallyenclosed longitudinally extending interior channels formed therein, saidbase plate being attached to said columns by means of bolts which extendthrough the base plate and into said interior channels.
 19. A supportstructure as defined in claim 12 further including a car wash componentmounted on the support structure.
 20. A support structure as defined inclaim 19 wherein the component is a rotatable brush.